1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America

Upon its debut at the 1950 Torino Motor Show, the Lancia Aurelia was recognized as one of the most technically sophisticated automobiles of the era. Developed under the direction of legendary engineers Vittorio Jano and Francesco de Virgilio, the Aurelia showcased a variety of advanced features, including a rear-mounted transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension, inboard rear brakes, and the world’s first production V-6 engine.

The model’s sporting credentials were swiftly established by the Aurelia B20 GT, which achieved a sensational 2nd Place finish at the 1951 1000 Miglia, beaten only by a Ferrari 340 America. Further successes followed, including a class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, cementing the model’s reputation as one of the most capable gran turismos of the postwar period. The Aurelia’s sporting success encouraged Lancia to develop cutting-edge sports racing and grand prix machines, culminating in the formidable D24 and D50.

Introduced at the 1955 Brussels Motor Show, the B24 Spider America represented the ultimate expression of the Aurelia line. Built upon the fourth-series B20 GT chassis, the Spider America featured a 2.5-liter V-6 engine, De Dion rear axle, and floor-mounted gearshift. With performance approaching 115 mph, the B24 ranked among the finest open sports cars of its day.

As its name implied, the Spider America was conceived with the lucrative US market in mind, where demand for stylish European sports cars was rapidly growing. Contemporary road tests praised the model’s remarkable poise and handling. Writing in Motor Trend in 1956, Walt Woron compared the Lancia favorably with the contemporary Ferrari 250 GT and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.

Equally impressive was the Spider America’s breathtaking coachwork by Carrozzeria Pinin Farina. Its low, flowing lines, cut-down doors, split bumpers, and dramatic wraparound windscreen combined Italian elegance with subtle American influence. True to its sporting purpose, the design dispensed with conventional wind-up windows in favor of lightweight side curtains and a simple folding top.

Just 240 examples were built before the model evolved into the more civilized – and more common – B24 Convertible. Of these, only 181 were completed in left-hand-drive B24S configuration, making the Spider America among the most rare and coveted postwar Lancias.

The exceptional example offered here, chassis B24S-1021, was completed on May 16, 1955, finished in the striking period color scheme of Verde Acquamarina over green leather upholstery. Delivered new to the US through famed New York importer Max Hoffman, the car remained in American ownership for decades, including long-term stewardship by Frank P. Anzuena of Glassboro, New Jersey, from 1960 to 1980.

During this period, Mr. Anzuena commissioned a removable hardtop from Carrozzeria Fontana, the coachbuilder originally contracted by Lancia to manufacture these rare and sought-after accessories. In the early 1980s, the Spider America was acquired by Italian collector Paolo Vento, son-in-law of noted industrialist Count Giovanni Treccani. During his ownership, the Aurelia was refinished in red to harmonize with the other cars in his collection. The Lancia remained in Italy thereafter and was acquired in 2017 by a private collector of sports and racing cars.

Prior to restoration, he submitted the Lancia to FCA Heritage in Torino for inspection and certification, where its matching-numbers components were documented, including the engine (no. 1080), steering box (no. 202), front axle (no. 30), and transaxle (no. 187).

Encouraged by these findings, he subsequently commissioned an extensive concours-quality restoration by leading Italian specialists. The body was restored and refinished in its original Verde Acquamarina by the award-winning Quality Cars of Vigonza; the engine was rebuilt by Mechanics Motor Holding of Padova; electrical systems were restored by a Vicenza specialist; and the interior was retrimmed to original specifications by artisans in Mantova. Completed in 2022, the restoration was carried out to the highest standards, and the Spider America has benefited from careful, sparing use since.

Accompanied by its Lancia Classiche certificate, restoration records and photographs, owner’s handbook, tool kit, and rare Fontana hardtop, this extraordinary Aurelia stands today among the finest examples of its kind extant.

Franco Martinengo, lead designer of the Spider America, once observed, “When you see a B24, it is not enough to look at it; you would like to touch it.” Few automobiles better embody the artistry, engineering sophistication, and enduring glamour of postwar Italian design.